Jaden Schwartz played a pivotal role in the Seattle Kraken’s 5-2 victory over the Utah Hockey Club, contributing a goal and two assists. The Kraken dominated in the third period, pulling away after a tight contest. Other notable contributors for Seattle included Yanni Gourde, Andre Burakovsky, Matty Beniers, and Jared McCann, while Kaapo Kakko added two assists. Goaltender Philipp Grubauer made 28 saves to secure the win, helping Seattle bounce back from a rough stretch of five consecutive losses. Schwartz expressed that the team’s improved performance stemmed from the belief that they could do more individually and collectively.
Seattle head coach Dan Bylsma emphasized the team’s focus on playing a complete 60-minute game. He credited the four-day break and the comeback win in Vancouver as essential for resetting their approach. Bylsma spoke about the importance of being aggressive and maintaining a strong mindset, noting that the first period was particularly strong. The Kraken aimed to build on this energy, and it was clear that their improved play was a direct result of better focus and preparation after the holiday break.
Utah, on the other hand, struggled once again, losing their fourth straight game. Logan Cooley managed to extend his road point streak to 10 games with a power-play goal, and Alex Kerfoot added another goal. However, Utah coach Andre Tourigny expressed frustration with his team’s tendency to force plays, particularly on offense. He mentioned that, despite possessing the puck, Utah was pressing too hard to score, which led to mistakes. The team’s urgency to win seemed to be a double-edged sword, as it contributed to their unforced errors and lack of execution.
The game started with Cooley putting Utah ahead 1-0 with a power-play goal that deflected off a Seattle defender. Seattle responded late in the first period with two quick goals. Gourde tied the game with a rebound, and Burakovsky gave the Kraken the lead by redirecting Schwartz’s shot. Utah managed to equalize early in the second period when Kerfoot capitalized on a rebound. Despite the tie, Seattle took control in the third period, with Schwartz scoring on a breakaway and Beniers adding another goal after a clever play around the net.
Seattle wrapped up the game with a commanding 5-2 scoreline, as McCann scored into an empty net late in the third period. Utah, on the other hand, continued to struggle with their defensive play, allowing too many scoring chances, including breakaways and odd-man rushes. Tourigny acknowledged that his team’s lack of patience and maturity was a significant issue. Despite strong individual efforts, the inability to execute as a team ultimately cost Utah the game, as Seattle capitalized on their mistakes to extend their win streak.
